Driving commercial and political engagement between Asia, the Middle East and Europe
Driving commercial and political engagement between Asia, the Middle East and Europe
Driving commercial and political engagement between Asia, the Middle East and Europe
Asia House has appointed two exceptional researchers to join its inaugural Fellowship Programme.
After an extensive recruitment process, which saw almost 400 applications from more than 30 countries, Aarthi Raghavan and Ivo Walinga will join the think tank as Asia House Fellows in October 2022.
The Fellowship Programme aims to develop the next generation of business and policy leaders, with Fellows recruited each year to conduct major research on the issues shaping Asia and the Middle East.
Aarthi, who most recently studied at The Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore, will conduct in-depth research into cross-border sharing of health data in Asia, and how it can drive public sector innovation in healthcare. She will be based in Chennai, India, during the Fellowship, which she describes as “a dream project,” that will “start new discussions” on health policy in Asia.
“The opportunity to engage with so many different stakeholders on this research, from policymakers to business leaders, is really something that only Asia House can offer,” she said.
“I’m also particularly excited about receiving support and mentoring from a research team as experienced as Asia House’s.”
Ivo, who has studied at Peking University and Oxford, and has served as a diplomat, will take a deep dive into the energy transition in East Asia, and the implications of the region’s net zero policy developments for European businesses.
“While working in policy and diplomacy for several years, I really felt the importance of being connected to the research community,” he said. “There is a profound need for knowledge – especially expertise that is rooted in long-term engagement with societies and regions.
“I really want to play a role in generating that knowledge.”
Ivo’s research at Asia House will focus on the climate ambitions of China, South Korea and Japan, and how their respective sustainability approaches will impact on regional dynamics and European businesses engaging with these markets. With East Asia accounting for a third of global carbon emissions, it is a crucial region for the energy transition, yet remains a key engine of growth for the world economy.
“I’m excited about the Fellowship, and really looking forward to being part of the Asia House community,” Ivo said.
Alongside their research projects, the Fellows will receive leadership training, gain business and policy experience, and engage with Asia House’s global network.
Phyllis Papadavid, Director of Research at Asia House, said: “We had a tremendous response to the Fellowship Programme, with excellent applications from around the world.
“The projects that Aarthi and Ivo will undertake closely align with Asia House’s research agenda, and will have a catalytic impact on the business and policy community. Their research will help shape policymakers’ and business leaders’ decisions around the energy transition and public health in Asia.”
The Fellowship Programme was launched in 2021 to mark the 25th anniversary of Asia House, whose founding stakeholders are HSBC, Standard Chartered and Prudential.
Michael Lawrence, Chief Executive of Asia House, said: “The launch of the Fellowship Programme is a key strategic initiative and part of our mission to drive engagement between Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
“Asia House is committed to furthering understanding of Asia and the Middle East through our original research, our programme of briefings and events, and through educational initiatives such as the Fellowship Programme, and I am delighted that we have attracted candidates of Aarthi’s and Ivo’s calibre.
“I look forward to the insights that their research will generate for our Corporate Members and wider global network.”
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